For many of us, Thanksgiving may be one of just a few times of year that we actually get to spend much needed quality time with all of our favorite relatives. And in between the hustle and bustle of prepping all of the various side dishes, cooking up your juiciest turkey recipe and keeping hangry loved ones at bay with entertaining activities and games it can be a little difficult to keep it together. Not to worry! We have curated the perfect list of the best Thanksgiving songs to soothe your mind and add more spirit to your holiday.
Because Thanksgiving traditionally is centered around universal themes of family, expressing your thankfulness and good food, you’ll find songs here that touch upon all of those sentiments. We have soulful praise and worship songs for those who appreciate Christian and gospel music. We also have some funny, upbeat songs kids will love and hip hop songs that equally capture the true meaning of Turkey Day.
Trust us, you’ll want to download all of these to your holiday playlist. You can even pull up the lyrics on YouTube and create your very own family sing-along. And while you’re at it, check out some of these festive Christmas songs,( because it's never too early for Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”)
1."Autumn in New York" —Billie Holiday
This soulful tune celebrates everything that is great about the seasons changing in New York City. From Holiday's descriptions of lovers in Central Park to the views that rival that of Spain, you'll discover just why the city makes her feel right at home.
2. "You Name It" —Shirley Caesar
Pastor Shirley Caesar gave the internet this catchy jingle while preaching a sermon ahead of Thanksgiving. Between the beat and her excited reciting of items you'll undoubtedly find on your Thanksgiving table, it'll be hard for you to get this song out of your head.
3. "Give Thanks and Praises" —Bob Marley and the Wailers
Marley's take on a gospel song is all you'll need to remind you what you're most thankful for this Thanksgiving.
4. "Family Business" —Ye (Kanye West)
This throwback to Ye's College Dropout days will help you prepare for all of the inevitable questions and inquiries that your long-distance family may have this holiday season.
5. "Stretchy Pants"—Carrie Underwood
Take this as a reminder to break out your own stretchy pants before you partake in this year's Thanksgiving meal. Carrie lends her powerful vocals to lyrics that are all about eating, dancing and having a good time.
6. "Be Thankful" —Natalie Cole
When Natalie Cole tells you to be thankful, you do it. Her incredible voice mixed with a catchy rhythm makes this one of the best Thanksgiving songs ever.
7. "Blessed" —Martina McBride
If country music warms your soul, you will want to keep this tune by Martina McBride on repeat. Sure, Martina is singing about romantic love, but we all know all love is a beautiful gift.
8."Thanks a Million" —Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra
If you can't find the words to express how thankful you are, this classic song's for you. The trumpet in the background makes this song ideal for after dinner drinks.
9. "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" —Jay & The Techniques
This song is little bit of soul, a hint of R&B and a smidge of pop. It's also the best way to hint that you're ready for dessert.
10. "Home" —Phillip Phillips
If you haven't seen your friends or family for a little while, Phillip Phillips's folk rock hit will be the perfect welcome home.
11. "Almost Thanksgiving Day" —Graham Parker
Don't let this country song's hint of melancholia deter you from playing it — it's perfect for a cold November night.
12. "Turkey Chase" —Bob Dylan
This instrumental was meant to be played in the background while you stuff your mouth with turkey.
13. "I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful For" —Bing Crosby
Is it really a holiday if Bing Crosby isn't playing in the background?
14. "Autumn Leaves" —Nat King Cole
Your body can't help but sway to this smooth jazz rhythm and Nat's incredible voice.
15. "Thank You For The Music" —ABBA
This beautiful pop song by Swedish group ABBA serves as a little reminder of our best thanksgiving quotes for what brings us joy.
16. "Thankful" —Kelly Clarkson
You can add this pop/R&B number to your playlist while prepping your Thanksgiving dinner recipes, but we think you'll have way more fun singing it karaoke-style.
17. "Everybody Eats When They Come to My House" —Cab Calloway & His Orchestra
If you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your place this year, then what better song to play than this this jazzy yet humorous one?
18. "Sweet Potato Pie" —Ray Charles
A soulful, R&B song like this deserves one of the most coveted spots on your Thanksgiving playlist: the dessert soundtrack.
19. "Thanksgiving Theme" —Vince Guaraldi Trio
It may only be two minutes long, but this instrumental (from Charlie Brown!) is perfect for background music while you're cooking food or washing dishes.
29. "Let’s Turkey Trot" —Little Eva
A few seconds in to this upbeat pop song and you'll want to let loose and dance — or maybe participate in an actual Turkey Trot.
21. "I Thank You" —Sam & Dave
This fun track is the result of mixing a little rock, R&B, and soul together. You can thank us later.
22. "Thanksgiving Song" —Mary Chapin Carpenter
With hints of country and folk, this acoustic-sounding song's lyrics are most important. They perfectly describe quintessential Thanksgiving ideas — your family and being grateful.
23. "Thank You Friends" —Big Star
Blast this meaningful rock song while out for drinks with your crew. If you're looking for friendship quotes to highlight everything they do for you, this tune will do.
24. "Thanksgiving Day" —Ray Davies
Thanksgiving has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to holiday songs, but this soft-rock hit perfectly nails it with those comforting vocals.
25. "Cooking Up Something Good" —Mac DeMarco
The slow melody of this indie track will remind you why we spend hours cooking our food for Thanksgiving.
26. "Thanksgiving" —Loudon Wainwright III
This half-rock, half-folk song is pretty relatable because the lyrics are about a family's Thanksgiving day.
27. "The Thanksgiving Song" —Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler originally performed this childish and comedic tune on an episode of Saturday Night Live, but it immediately became a staple for tons of Thanksgiving jokes.
28. "Alice's Restaurant" —Arlo Guthrie
Some radio stations make a point to play Guthrie's 18-minute-long "talking blues" Vietnam War protest song every Thanksgiving; the song recounts a based-in-fact-story of how Guthrie was rejected from the Draft Board for having a criminal record, which he got by illegally dumping trash on Thanksgiving.
29. "Thank U, Next" —Ariana Grande
Just a reminder: Don't forget to be thankful for your ex!
30. "I Want to Thank You" —Otis Redding
After you listen to Ariana, you can admit that, yeah, Otis Redding did the whole thank-your-ex-thing first, and it sounds even sweeter.
31. "Do the Mashed Potatoes" —James Brown
Add a little soul to your celebration with some James Brown. And try to mimic his iconic moves after.
32. "Thanksgiving Prayer" —Johnny Cash
As Cash runs down the list of things he's thankful for, like the laughter of children or the moonrise over the prairies, it's hard not to reflect on simple things to be grateful for along with him. (Fun fact: This was first performed on an episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.)
33. "Thank You" —Dido
Hopefully your Thanksgiving bash will give somebody in your family the best day of their life, worthy of a Dido-style appreciation.
34. "Thank You for Being a Friend" —Andrew Gold/Cynthia Fee
These Golden Girls gifts keep on giving, and we could all use a dash more of the gals in our festivities.
35. "Thank You Girl" —The Beatles
What sums up Thanksgiving better than, "Thank you for loving me the way that you do?" It pretty much gets to the heart of everything right there.
36. "Macy's Day Parade" —Green Day
The best song to throw on after you watch the actual parade.
37. "Biscuits" —Kacey Musgraves
Pretty much any Kacey Musgraves song will do. If you don't like "Biscuits," an ode to telling the nosy busybodies to mind their own (a good reminder when dealing with pushy aunts), there's also "Family Is Family."
38. "Young Pilgrims" —The Shins
After all, we won't have thanksgiving without the pilgrims. The acoustic guitar strumming in this song makes it the perfect autumn folk jam.
39. "Thankful" —Celine Dion
There's nothing like Celine's stunning range and soulful music to remind you that you too have so much to be thankful for.
40. "Celebration" —Kool & The Gang
Spend the holiday surrounded by your closest friends and family celebrating the good times.
41. "Coat of Many Colors" —Dolly Parton
In this tune, living country legend recalls a touching story about a patchwork coat her mother made for her as a child. While you're in the kitchen, play this song for your momma as a thank you for all she's done for you.
42. "Home for the Holidays" —The Carpenters
Sure, technically this is a Christmas song — but any holiday you're spending with the family is reason to celebrate. Plus, it's never too early to play some Christmas tunes.
43. "We are Family" —Sister Sledge
Every good get together needs at least one at-the-top of your lungs sing-along—and this song is it!
44. "Harvest Moon" —Neil Young
Sweet, sentimental and easy to listen to, this autumn love song is a great after dinner treat.
45. "Wild Honey Pie” —The Beatles
46. "Sweet Potato" —Sia
Not quite the grandiose, pop hits we come to expect from Sia now — this early song from the singer is a sweet little ballad (named after everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side).
47. “Seasons of Love” —Rent Cast
This memorable tune from the Rent soundtrack inspires us to live life to the fullest. And what better time for that reminder than on Thanksgiving.
48. “I'm Alive” —Willie Nelson
Willie helps us remember that one of the greatest blessings in life is to just be "alive and well."
49. “Thank You” —Keyshia Cole featuring Dr. Yvonne Cole
If your family is religious, Keyshia and Dr. Yvonne Cole's powerful song is all about giving thanks and praise.
ADD TO YOUR PLAYLIST
50. "Autumn Leaves" —Chris Brown
Chris Brown's somber tune paints a picture of yearning for a past lover. But just like the the leaves falling in the autumn, he comes to the realization that the relationship is dead. Best not to play if there are any broken hearts at the table.
Yaa Bofah is an editorial fellow at Good Housekeeping. She is a freelance illustrator and created original cover art for The Fashion Bomb Daily’s first e-book series. She enjoys supporting philanthropic endeavors and being an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
